More than 1.6 million people tuned in to "Merlin" last week, making Part 1 of the fifth and final season the biggest premiere audience in the series' history on Syfy.

The premiere concludes at 9 p.m. CT Friday with "Arthur's Bane, Part 2," when Merlin and King Arthur have been captured by Morgana's (Katie McGrath) men. Mordred (Alexander Vlahos), the Druid sorcerer whose life Arthur saved as a boy, is among the captured group. But Merlin isn't pleased to see him; Merlin knows he will someday kill Arthur.

Mordred promises to tell know one that Merlin, like Mordred, has magic. This parallell between the two sorcerers resonates throughout the episode and the final season of "Merlin."

"Because of the significance of what having magic means, the gravitas of that, it makes sense Merlin has never said anything to Arthur," said Bradley James, who plays King Arthur. "I don't think it's ever been about Merlin lying to Arthur--I think it's been about the safety of Merlin, not to mention the safety of the kingdom."

Even though Mordred tells Merlin about Morgana's search for the Diamair--;the key to all knowledge--Merlin questions whether he is indeed loyal to Arthur.

"Alexander Vlahos is just extraordinary," says Colin Morgan, who plays Merlin. "He's come into the series very late in the game, but brought with him a completely realized character. Alex really understands who Mordred is--and its exciting to see what he does with the character all throughout this final season."

If you like your men buff and a little messy, tune in for the new season of Syfy's "Merlin" beginning Friday. The series begins its fifth season with two of the Knights of the Roundtable toiling (shirtless) in the depths of evil sorceress Morgana's lair. The dirty, sweaty and totally sexy. I...

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